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Making on-demand deliveries for Uber Eats can be an easy way to make extra cash. But you might be surprised to learn that you aren’t always covered by your own insurance policy or Uber Eats insurance through the service.
Unfortunately, traditional auto policies have limitations, and your personal insurance policy does not cover the use of your vehicle for “business” purposes. Without the appropriate policy, you could find yourself footing the bill if you are involved in a crash.
In this guide, we will explain the importance of Uber Eats insurance and connect you with companies that provide this coverage. We have reviewed every major insurance provider and identified the best car insurance in the industry. To find a provider near you, enter your zip code into the free quote tool above.
What Type of Car Insurance Do I Need in Order to Drive for Uber Eats?
When signing up to be a driver for Uber Eats, you must upload proof of personal auto insurance. Uber Eats requires this step to protect themselves from civil liability and ensure that they are not employing uninsured motorists. The company will also require you to upload a photograph of your valid driver’s license before you can start making deliveries.
While Uber Eats provides some insurance, which is actually a legal requirement, this coverage assistance does not replace your personal insurance. So, even though Uber Eats insurance is actually one of the best in the ridesharing and on-demand delivery industry, it can still leave you with gaps in coverage.
The best solution to protecting yourself and your ride is to purchase commercial or rideshare insurance.
Does Uber Eats Provide Car Insurance?
Uber Eats actually does provide car insurance. However, it is important to note that this insurance only applies when you’re actively working for the company on assignment. Any Uber Eats insurance coverage is not in play when you’re waiting for a delivery or running errands on your own time.
Uber Eats coverage varies from state to state, but the company offers some reasonable minimums. It provides at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,00 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
If your state requires it, Uber Eats insurance will also include personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage. You will need to check with Uber Eats or your local agent to find out if these protections are mandated in your state.
How Do I Get Additional Uber Eats Insurance?
When it comes to Uber Eats insurance, you have two primary options: commercial insurance and rideshare insurance.
Commercial Insurance
Commercial insurance is a comprehensive form of coverage that allows you to use your vehicle for a variety of business purposes. While it was not originally designed for on-demand food delivery services, like Uber Eats, it will cover you for any commercial vehicle applications. However, it can be a bit more costly than rideshare insurance.
Rideshare Insurance
Many major insurance providers like Progressive offer rideshare insurance. You can easily add this to your existing plan. While rates will vary by driver and vehicle, rideshare insurance typically increases premiums by about 15 to 20%. Your exact rate will depend on the coverage levels and deductible that you choose.
Do I Need to Tell My Insurer That I’m an Uber Eats Driver?
Yes, you must tell your insurance provider that you drive for Uber Eats. Failing to do so can have serious consequences.
When you signed up for insurance coverage, your provider asked various questions about your driving habits and vehicle usage. One of those questions addressed whether or not you use your vehicle for business purposes. Insurance companies use your answer to this question to hold you accountable. If you are involved in a crash while conducting business, yet you did not divulge you were using your vehicle for business purposes, you will not be covered.
If you lie about your activities in order to get your provider to cover a crash, then you could find yourself in even hotter water. This is because lying to obtain coverage or file a claim is known as insurance fraud. You can face jail time or fines if you try to circumvent insurance and disclosure laws in this way.
Even if you are not involved in a crash, not telling your insurer about your side hustle can still have consequences. If the insurer finds out that you have been using your vehicle for business purposes, it can drop your coverage altogether. This will make it harder to get a new policy and likely cost you hundreds in premium fees. If you fail to get a new policy soon enough, your license could even be suspended by the state.
Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance
Our comprehensive, industry-wide review of leading insurance providers covers everything from pricing to customer experience. Below, we’ve highlighted the two insurers that scored highest. Both of these insurers can add rideshare insurance onto your existing or new auto policy.
GEICO: Most Discount Options
A household name for a reason, GEICO is the second-largest car insurance provider in the nation. The company scored well in every category in our review, earning high marks for its comprehensive coverage offerings, competitive pricing and positive customer feedback in studies from J.D. Power. GEICO provides affordable rideshare insurance, making it a great option for Uber Eats delivery drivers.
USAA: Best For Military
If you or an immediate family member is in the military, then you can get Uber Eats insurance through USAA. This reputable provider has an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for its solid business practices. With USAA, you can get rideshare insurance and a few more types of add-on coverage like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.
Uber Eats Insurance: FAQ
Why do I need to give Uber Eats my insurance information?
Uber Eats requires that all drivers carry personal auto insurance. The company does this to protect itself from facing unnecessary liability when workers are making deliveries.
Can I drive for Uber Eats without insurance?
No. Uber Eats requires you to have personal car insurance at a minimum. You can drive for Uber Eats without commercial insurance as long as your primary provider approves, but there may be gaps in your coverage. This can leave you footing the bill if you are involved in a crash.
If I’m in an accident, do I have to report it to Uber Eats?
It depends. If you have an accident while working for Uber Eats, then you should contact the company and let them know the specific details surrounding the incident. However, it is a good idea to contact your primary insurance provider first. Your best plan of action will depend on the severity of the crash and what type of coverage you have.
Will driving for Uber Eats make my insurance go up?
Yes, driving for Uber Eats will generally make your insurance rates go up if you elect to purchase the appropriate coverage. Rideshare insurance can add 15 to 20% onto your existing auto premiums, and commercial insurance can be more expensive than personal auto insurance too.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car insurance providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team considers auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities when giving this score.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car insurance company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, financial strength, and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurers with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Customer Service: Reputable car insurance providers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We consider complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), J.D. Power claims servicing scores, and customer feedback.
- Online Experience: Insurers with easy-to-use websites and highly rated mobile apps scored best in this category.
